Camera crews from the BBC North West magazine programme, 'Inside Out' will be out and about around the Saddleworth and Oldham District on Whit Friday to bring viewers a flavour of the 'Greatest Free Show on Earth' .
Musical fabric
The show's producer, Dominic Callaghan explained to 4BR why the programme had decided to feature the event that dates back to the late 1800s:
"Whit Friday is part of the historical culture and musical fabric of Saddleworth and it's surrounding area. Whilst the march contests have been featured on television before, we wanted to take a more in depth look into how one of the top Championship Section bands in the North West prepares for the contests and film them as they go round."
That championship section band will be the reigning North West Champion, Fairey, who will be led by their Professional Conductor, Garry Cutt (above).
The Marple maestro, who has enjoyed countless successes on the famous circuit, told 4BR how much he and the band are looking forward to what he hopes will be a successful evening:
"Fairey's always look forward to Whit Friday and we are delighted the BBC has asked if they could come around Saddleworth with us and see what it takes to win on the night. Hopefully they will be a lucky omen."
Professionalism
The BBC crew has already been to Fairey's bandroom in Heaton Chapel to undertake filming, with more to come before the contest night — with the band's professionalism and musicality really impressing them
"We were absolutely blown away at what we heard from Garry and the band when we went to visit them a few weeks ago," Dominic added.
"Everyone connected to the programme is anticipating a fabulous evening as Fairey battles for supremacy in Saddleworth against what we anticipate to be pretty stern opposition.
We would like to place on record our thanks to Garry and the band, not just for the warm welcome but for all of their assistance in helping us with this feature."
Filming at venues
In addition to being on Fairey's coach, cameras will be dotted around the venues in Saddleworth where they will aim to capture the unfolding action and drama, interview those watching and listening and find out what attracts them to come from all over the world to Saddleworth.
The film crew from BBC North West's 'Inside Out' programme will be filming Fairey's challenge on Whit Friday with the footage shown later in the year4BR
4BR understands that the Whit Friday feature will not be broadcast until 'Inside Out' returns to the screens in September, and that it should be available to watch on various digital platforms around the UK in addition to the North West.
